Physiotherapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) play an important role in a client’s physical rehabilitation – the ultimate goal is to help them improve their physical capabilities as well as their overall confidence. As a physiotherapy assistant, you may meet with some clients who aren’t familiar with exactly what a PT or OT does, and may be nervous about starting a physical therapy session.

Whether you work in a private clinic, hospital, or home-care, you can help dispel some of the more common myths a client may be aware of, and make them feel more comfortable with the idea of physiotherapy as well as prepare them for their journey through PT or OT.

Read on to find out how your training can help you debunk some of these popular physiotherapy myths.

Myth #1: Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy are the Same Profession

Although both involve similar aspects and common goals, physiotherapy and occupational therapy are actually two separate career options.

While physiotherapy aims to improve a client’s strength, mobility, and range of motion, occupational therapy focuses on improving a client’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). They are simply two different steps of the healing process, where PT treats the actual impairment and OT helps clients process and integrate their impairment in a way that keeps them engaged, capable, and independent in their own daily life.

Myth #2: Occupational Therapists Are There to Help Clients Find a Job

While the word occupational is generally used in the context of a profession, you should tell clients it’s best to leave the resume at home.

In occupational therapy, the word is used to signify a common activity that a person is engaging in – this can be anything from standing to lifting to even buttoning a shirt. It’s used in the profession because occupational therapists are there to support clients in performing these daily activities, and re-learning how to do them independently, without assistance.

Myth #3: Grads of Physiotherapy Assistant Training Only Treat Injuries

The idea that therapy exists to treat injuries is common, but physiotherapists actually do much more than that. Physiotherapy assistant training includes important lessons on anatomy and physiology, so you can better understand how the body operates as a whole, including when it’s injured. An injury, in fact, doesn’t have to be necessary for PT or OT – some clients may simply be facing challenges as they grow older, and may need help improving their mobility or staying active.

Myth #4: A Physiotherapy Session Has to Involve Pain in Order to Work

Many clients may be worried that their physiotherapy will be painful. While pain is something that is associated with the injuries physiotherapy addresses, the treatment itself shouldn’t actually be painful.

As a PT or OT assistant, you should work within the comfort zones of your clients, so it’s a good idea to check in, ask questions, and encourage them to communicate during a session. The goal is always pain-free movement, and you should revise your techniques according to your training from an occupational therapy assistant program anytime a client experiences pain.

Myth #5: Students in Occupational Therapy Assistant Programs Focus on Exercise

Because of its focus on the movement of the body, some clients may assume that PT or OT may involve exercise. While it’s certainly a component than can help improve body movement as a whole, the amount of exercise can vary from client to client, depending on the nature of their injury or individual needs.

A client with a knee injury, for example, won’t need the same types of exercise as a client who has a shoulder strain. It’s important to remember that clients will have different problems that need different solutions, and exercise should be approached on a dynamic, one-on-one basis, not prescribed generally.

Are you interested in a hands-on career helping others?

Contact KLC College for more information about our physical therapy assistant training program.

Physiotherapy is a key facet of medical treatment, and helping people to maintain or recover their mobility is a truly rewarding experience. As well as carrying out some clinical care duties in the workplace, physiotherapy assistants are astute planners who provide expert advice on correct treatment plans.

It’s a career that suits people looking for an interesting mix of practical and administrative work. We’re always learning something new about the human body, and this constant evolution of knowledge keeps professionals interested and motivated throughout their career. Here’s how to know if physiotherapy assistant training is the right move for you.

Physiotherapy is Fascinating for Those who are Curious About the Human Body

The human body is incredibly complex, and the average person knows very little about what’s actually happening beneath our skin. If you’re fascinated by physiology, then a physical therapy assistant training program is a great career move.

You can use your knowledge to diagnose problems, design treatment programs, and work with physiotherapists to implement them over a short or long-term basis. Whether the client is recovering from a sudden fall, needs treatment for arthritis, or whatever else you are faced with, you will be in the unique position to offer advice and administer help to people in distress.

 

 

Excellent Communication is Important in Physiotherapy Clinics

Do you enjoy interacting with lots of different people during daily life? Because a physiotherapy clinic is a busy place to be, interpersonal skills are very important in this line of work. Clients require detailed instructions as to what they need to do to aid their recovery, and you must also be able to provide work colleagues with treatment updates. The physiotherapy team is wonderful to be a part of, as they all work towards a common goal.

Feed Your Passion for Sport in Physiotherapy Assistant Training

Whether you like watching or playing sport, it’s a passion that can take up so much of our lives. Some people are lucky enough to make it a part of their professional career, too, such as physiotherapy assistants.

In this challenging role, you can help athletes to reach their peak performance levels by working in dedicated sports injury and recovery clinics. It’s a wonderful thrill when you’ve helped a client to return to the playing field and can see them succeed once again after their injury challenges.

Clients Must be Able to Trust Physiotherapy Assistants

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the healthcare sector, so physiotherapy assistants must possess trustworthiness and supreme professionalism. This means respecting a client’s privacy at all times, treating their information with discretion, and ensuring that hard copy and electronic versions of individual client files are updated and stored with care in the workplace.

It’s important to be approachable and conversational with clients, but be professional at all times, too. The people you’re helping may be in some mental as well as physical distress, so provide them with confidence that you’re doing everything possible to help them.

Use Your Organizational Skills to Build a Physiotherapy Career

Graduates of an occupational therapist assistant course are also well trained to handle important administrative work. Excellent organization is needed to develop care plans, maintain adequate stock levels in the workplace, and handle client records. The duties are broad and varied, but you’ll quickly be able to master the role if you possess good organizational skills.

 

Looking for a challenging and exciting career?

Find out more about physiotherapy assistant training at KLC College.